How to Help Your Overweight Child

2008 February 12 by: Scott

At least one in five children under the age of 18 is overweight. Children who grow up overweight have a tendency to develop a lower self-esteem, avoid improving social skills and often find it difficult to achieve at a higher academic standard. Below are some parenting tips that parents can may want to consider to help a child experiencing weight concerns:

1. Be Supportive

One of the most important things you can do to help overweight children is to let them know that they are okay whatever their weight. Children’s feelings about themselves often are based on their parents’ feelings about them. If you accept your children at any weight, they will be more likely to accept and feel good about themselves. It is also important to talk to your children about weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you. Your child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she has a weight problem. For this reason, overweight children need support, acceptance, and encouragement from their parents.

2. Focus on the family

Parents should try not to set children apart because of their weight, but focus on gradually changing their family’s physical activity and eating habits. Family involvement helps to teach everyone healthful habits and does not single out the overweight child.